Hotel Brand

Pocket Guide: Toowoomba

Looking for a hot spot for your next Queensland getaway? Then head to Toowoomba, Australia’s 'Garden City'. With its colourful and well-maintained gardens and historic buildings, it’s no surprise that Toowoomba is considered one of the country’s most beautiful cities, even winning the prestigious title of Australia’s Tidiest Town in 2008. Come see it for yourself with a stay in one of our Toowoomba hotels.

Toowoomba was discovered in 1827 when English explorer Allan Cunningham found a large region suitable for farming and grazing. This area was dubbed the Darling Downs and has been known as one of Australia’s best farming regions even to this day. The Darling Downs brought prosperity to the Toowoomba region, which is reflected in its architecture. Many of the buildings in Toowoomba and its surrounding areas are heritage-listed, such as the Caledonian Estate suburb which features workers’ cottages and palatial homes built in the traditional Queenslander style, and the art deco-style Empire Theatre, which remains the largest regional theatre in Australia. Of course, you can’t discuss Toowoomba’s architecture without mentioning the Toowoomba City Hall, a colonial building made from red and white brick and the first purpose-built city hall in Queensland. Today, the hall houses a theatre and the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery. You can see these magnificent buildings and many more on a heritage walk tour around the city.

If Toowoomba’s architecture gives it its historic charm, the city’s parks and gardens are what make it truly memorable. The city’s nickname of ‘The Garden City’ is well-deserved, with over 150 public parks and gardens spread throughout the city. You can see beautiful roses of all colours at the Newton Park State Rose Garden, sit under the shade of curving, scented trees at the Laurel Bank Park or enjoy a walk through the peaceful Japanese Garden and unleash your inner Zen. You don’t need to go to a park to enjoy the beauty of nature though; Toowoomba’s streets are lined with lilac jacarandas, evergreen camphor laurels, and plane trees that turn gorgeous shades of red and brown in autumn.

The city’s love for its parks and gardens culminates in the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, held over 10 days in September. The event is one of the most famous in Australia, with people from all over the world coming to visit! See colourful arrangements made with flowers of all types, join a guided tour of Toowoomba’s prize-winning gardens, or take part in the festival’s other fun activities. Check out some live concerts, an outdoor movie screening or the exciting Floral Parade. For more family fun, Toowoomba also proves popular during the first holiday season of the year, when Easterfest takes over the city. A music festival that stretches through the long weekend, Easterfest includes carnival rides, extreme sports displays and – of course – live music!

So to experience all Toowoomba has to offer, drive or take a coach from Brisbane and enjoy the easy 90-minute journey. Coming in from overseas or interstate? You’ll need one of our flights to Brisbane before you can set off on your way to The Garden City. Of course, don’t forget your Toowoomba accommodation! Check out our range below.